Network Connectivity : Fiber or UTP??

Hi to all readers.
This posting is dedicated to provide some explanation and opinion to question raised by one of our reader from UiTM. This student was assigned on justification to choose of fiber optic or UTP as solution to the network connectivity between Ground Floor to Floor 1.

The case study is straight-forward but it needs careful consideration before justify the solution. Two key areas need to focus: Network Usage and Costing

1. NETWORK USAGE

• The network is design to cater for LAN data only?
• Or combination of data, voice and video?
• How fast speed of data required between site A and site B, 10Mbps or 100Mbps or 1000Mbps (1Gbps)?
• Any future network capacity required to link up voice (PABX) or video conferencing or else?

2. COSTING

• Is there any existing conduit / truncking link up between Site A and Site B?
• The existing conduit / truncking are already pre-occupied with electricity cabling?
• If no conduit / truncking, then what is the length between Site A to Site B?

JUSTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF SOLUTION

A. FIBER OPTIC SOLUTION

Capacity

-Fiber optic solution can cater for high traffic data transmission from 10/100 Mbps LAN interface up to

10/100/1000 Mbps (also known 1Gps).

-Nowadays technology can pump the data transmission up to 10Gbps, but it depend on your equipment

-By installing PDH equipment, we can interconnect Site A and Site B with data and voice. No telephone wiring required between Site A and Site B. Calls made are free of charge

Cost

-If the requirement was to interconnect LAN data only, we need two (2) unit SFP Gigabit module to be

install at each LAN switch. These SFP module is estimated at RM1,000 for 2 unit

-If the length between Site A and Site B is around 100 meter, the cost of fiber optic patchcord for duplex is estimated below RM200 

-Installation can be made along existing electricity truncking (orange color) without interference as fiber optic is immune to electricity noise 

B. UTP COPPER SOLUTION

Capacity

-UTP CAT6 can provide network connectivity up to 1Gbps.

-The transmission signal pumped was in electrical, and not optical

-UTP CAT6 can support cable length up to 280 meter only, provided that no major frequency interference

-However, connectivity via UTP CAT6 can support for LAN data only

Cost

-Material for installation of UTP CAT6 for 100 meter is estimated at RM185.00

-Need to build new ducting / truncking for UTP CAT6 since it carry frequency ranging from 250Mhz to 600Mhz

-Material for new ducting / truncking is estimated at RM140.00

-Materials for RJ45 CAT6 plug + Keystone jack + Plate are estimated at RM65.00